Sealed Corridor Project

As the number of freight and passenger trains increases and highway traffic grows, the need for crossing safety improvements becomes more critical. Through the Sealed Corridor Program, NCDOT works with communities along the Raleigh-Charlotte corridor to eliminate or improve rail-highway at-grade crossings.

NCDOT worked with NS and NCRR, and CSX between Raleigh and Cary, to “seal” the corridor between Raleigh and Charlotte by using enhanced traffic control devices, crossing closures and grade separations to separate all train and rail traffic.

The program has involved reducing the number of crossings and placing gates and signals at crossings. In 1992, only 30 percent of the state’s 5,000 public railroad crossings had flashing light s and gates. Today, automatic warning devices are in place at 60 percent of the now 4,100 public crossings in North Carolina.

North Carolina has been recognized as a national leader for its Sealed Corridor Program, and efforts continue to improve safety along the Raleigh to Charlotte corridor.